Most children are heading back to school soon and parents are getting ready by looking for fresh hairdos. Some trendy options include playful pixie cuts or stylish crew cuts. If parents are looking for hair styles that are easy to maintain, will keep hair out of their faces, or are themed for a holiday, there is an option for every parent in these 25 kids haircut styles.
As a kids hair cutter, there really aren’t many surprises to look forward to. One of the greatest surprises, though, are the reoccuring Pinterest boards that parents decide to show me. Last fall, a mom showed me a picture of a miniature European adult and asked me to do that haircut for her four-year-old, who had a chocolate hand print on my cape. Of course, I love my job.
I love doing children’s haircuts because I can be the most creative, and the most practical, which is a rare combo in this job. The most satisfying kids’ haircuts are not the ones that look the best in the picture right after. It should look deliberate in three weeks from now, zero touch up and a kid who wears a bicycle helmet every day after school. That’s the real challenge. That being said, this collection is full of haircuts I would actually suggest if you happened to sit in my chair, and not just ones that would look good in a photo.
#1: That Long-to-Medium Layered Situation That Just Works
This haircut is also great for kids with thick hair and parents who are short on time! The layers are good here as they remove bulk and keep the length kids (and, let’s be honest, moms) get attached to. This haircut moves beautifully and it’s something you wouldn’t know just by looking at the picture. While running around the playground, this cut will look like it was styled when no one did anything that morning. The only thing to keep in mind with this cut is that a reshape is needed every few months so the layers keep their personality and don’t turn into one length. But for how easy this cut is to live with, that is a nothing trade off!
#2: Curly Bob with the Little Floral Clips, Because Obviously
I have a special connection to this style. The bob hits right at the shoulders, which is a sweet spot for kids with curly hair! It’s long enough to have some weight so it won’t poof out, but short enough that it won’t get tangled into a nest by lunch. The flower clips make it cuter, and the underneath cut is nice too. If your kid has less hair and you’ve wanted more thickness, this is the shape for you! Just be sure to have a good curl moisturizer in the mix because hair at this length will get dry and frizzy, and kids always seem to forget to avoid towel drying it.
#3: Custom Buzz Design for the Kid Who Knows What They Want
I honestly appreciate that some kids walk straight into the shop knowing what they want, much more than some of the adult customers we have. With this new buzz, you can expect minimal maintenance over the course of the style, which is a dream come true for barbershop customers. For this style, all types and densitites of hair will fit. The majority of the time. Now. The catch there most certainly is one; these lines grow out fast. In order for the style to remain looking clean, you’ll have to come back for touch-ups consistently, about 2-3 weeks intervals. So if you’re not down for frequent visits, consider keeping the design simple, going for a clean buzz cut, or skipping the design altogether, that looks great on its own.
#4: Messy Top, Clean Sides, Happy Kid
I find myself suggesting this cut a lot because it suits most kids. They can keep the style looking messy on top and still appear put together because the cut does a nice job keeping the sides looking clean. One of my preferences is cuts that look good when growing out, which can be a bit tricky because some parents might not be able to make it back to the salon every four weeks. This cut also works well for kids who have some natural texture or waves, as it will look really good. For kids with straight hair, a bit of texturizing paste will be good to create a messier look on top. But even without the paste, it will still look good. The shape will be there either way.
#5: Simple Side Braid into Soft Chocolate Layers
I love haircuts that are paired with styling options and that’s just what this side braid is. The base haircut is nice and straightforward; a mid-length cut with some layers. It’s so easy and that lovely chocolate brown hair color looks high quality, even though it’s 100% natural! The braid starting above the ear adds a touch of asymmetry, which I think is quite complimentary to rounder face shapes. A tip for parents with finer hair like this; be sure to carry a detangling conditioner as hair this thin tends to mat at the ends. Other than that, this is about as practical as it gets!
#6: Caramel Curls with Graduated Layers
Those curls are doing something right. The graduated layers are what allow each curl to find its shape individually rather than clumping, which is what happens when curly hair is cut to one length with a stylist that doesn’t “get” curl theory. I reiterate, this is a cut that someone who actually understands curly hair needs to do, and once you’re there, it is surprisingly low maintenance. The curls have plenty of volume as is, and regular trims will keep the layers defined. But with this kind of cut, you have more time than you’d think between appointments. Just keep heavy products away from it. Curls tend to clump, so you want to avoid weighing them down.
#7: Tapered Crew Cut with That Textured Top
This is the type of haircut that dads get for their sons and describe it as, “you know, just like, short but not too short, with some stuff on top”. I then show them the photo and they go “YES, that.” This is a tapered crew cut and it’s perhaps one of the most easily maintainable haircuts for kids with thick hair. The top texture provides some differences without requiring any form of styling from the parent who is getting this child ready in the morning. The contrast between the cropped sides and the fuller top works a lot in a manner of speaking. You’ll need more touch ups on the sides as compared to the top, but that’s easy to do. It’s not a whole production.
#8: The Rounded Bowl Cut, Done Right
I can see why if done in a careless manner or a rushed type manner why people think negatively about this style, however, in this case precision was applied, therefore it deserves a more positive outlook. The detail around the hairline is an example of a steady hand, and a kid who is hyper focused and sitting still. At that age, no movement is actually a miracle. Thick, straight hair facilitates this style a lot. Thank this for preventing hair from falling in their eyes, whch is really all hair management at that age. And yes, in a few weeks it will grow out again, but honestly there’s nothing cuter than a fresh cut. You’ll be back in the chair before you know it.
#9 Chestnut Layers for an Active Little Face
I would describe this as a \”secretly smart\” haircut. It may look easy, but this required real skill to execute. The length works for school pictures and sports and can be worn up or down, plus the long front layers are not face framing. The kid gives off an outdoorsy vibe with those sun-kissed highlights and chestnut color hair, and that is exactly the vibe this cut is designed for. Most haircuts are not this versatile, but this works well on many different face shapes because they round everything out without adding any bulk. It won\\\’t be long before they need to come back to reshape the layers, but for most of the time between haircuts, it will look a little more relaxed, which is a good thing.
#10: Bold Tapered Afro with a Sharp Edge-Up
This style is very unique. The tapered afro gives him the most volume on top, making it look very full and intentional, while the edge-up is nice and sharp, which helps the entire style look polished. With thick, curly hair, this style shows off his natural texture while the tapered sides keep it neat and clean. I’ll mention that the edge-up is gonna be the most high maintenance part out of everything. Keeping those lines sharp is gonna require the barber pretty often. And if you don’t mind them softening over time, it still looks nice, just a different vibe.
#11: Textured Fade with a Jagged Fringe
What is most characterful is the jagged fringe – while most would think of this as standard little boy fade, It is good to see parents going for something more fun, However stick with classic little boy fades and this will do the trick. The fade is indeed clean and gradual enough and the fringe will be one less thing to do as its structure will hold during the day regardless of the kids activities. This will give versatility to the fringe as kids will not always have defined face structures, but in this case it will be fine with almost all face shapes. The hair on top will grow a lot between appointments, while the fade will require regular touch ups to keep neat.
#12 Tawny Shoulder-Length Layers
I recommend this kind of haircut when a parent requests a look that’s refined and polished with family photos but is also low effort for everyday wear. It’s shoulder length so it is easy to keep off of the face and the subtle layering texture helps it to remain tidy without getting a big messy look. Also, this warm tawny color is totally natural and requires no upkeep or harsh chemicals on their hair, so totally low-maintenance. I also loved how this cut really brought out her eye color and that’s the little detail that makes a cut really special, even when the overall shape is quite standard. The upkeep is super easy on this, just come in for a trim every couple of months to keep the ends looking nice.
#13: Blonde Bob with Darker Roots Showing
Your hair looks beautiful and showing the roots on some of the sections helps create dimension and prevents the look from feeling too wiggy. The bob is cut to be even all the way around and it sits just right at the shoulders. For fine hair it creates a cool effect because it can look way thicker than it actually is. When hair is a straight texture like this it’s as easy as a wash and brush and you can walk right out the door. If your blonde color is natural then you’re ready to go. Otherwise, any color will require a root touch up to keep it looking intentional. For straight hair kids it doesn’t get easier than this for a nice haircut!
#14: High Fade with a Thick Textured Top
The child with the thick, bushy hair should go for a style that suits his amount of hair. The fade removes some of the sides, so there is a lot of good contrast, plus all the bulk is on top so it won’t poof out at the ears. He will only need to use a bit of gel or mousse to keep it looking nice, and that should only take about 15 seconds, which works great for the amount of time parents usually want to spend on styling. Yes, the edges will need to be touched up more regularly than the rest, but that’s the case with any fade and it is worth the trade off.
#15: Smooth Angled Bowl Cut in Soft Blonde
This cut is the bowl cuts cooler more refined cousin. The subtle shift from shorter in the front to longer in the back ensures a more modern feel, and steers completely clear of the bowl look. This is the dream haircut for toddlers with medium to fine hair because it just sits perfectly and stays. The soft warmth of the blonde is especially gorgeous in the fall light. The effortless look, and fully polished appearance, is the ultimate goal and this cut delivers. The only (very minor) downside, is that the magic of the cut disappears if it’s not regularly trimmed. Once it grows past a certain point, you lose all the good angles.
#16: Long Layers with Big Soft Curls
I could look at this cut all day! The long layers allow the curls to stack independently instead of all stacking on top of one another which creates that stunning waterfall effect. When you have thick hair like this, the layers are doing the structuring work to avoid the triangular shape which is the never-ending battle of thick haired curly kids everywhere. Daily maintenance is just a good detangling brush, some patience, and possibly leave-in conditioner on wash days. That shiny, healthy hair is intentional – the kid’s hair care routine deserves a lot of credit!
#17: Sleek Black Bob with a Straight Fringe
The blunt black bob hairstyle is ageless, but on kids, it’s oddly captivating. The all-around even length to just above the shoulders and the fringe is an editorial look and avoids being overstyled. I make lots of promises that hair of a straight medium density will achieve the same result, and in this case, it is true with a low amount of effort. The fringe is the one portion that may take a little more work, but otherwise, most of these qualities are maintained well. It is extremely chic and when it starts to touch the eyes, I can assure you that it goes from chic to annoying really quickly. The rest of the cut is very forgiving as it grows out.
#18: High Fade with Textured Top for Active Boys
If dirt and grass stains are common on your child’s clothes, this is the haircut for them. This haircut is easy to maintain because the sides will be faded and trimmed. The top will have lots of volume which makes it look good so it doesn’t look like a buzz cut on a seven year old. This haircut is designed for thicker hair. Unlike other hairstyles, it is often the case that the hair looks the same at the end of the day. This haircut is not like most other hairstyles because there is hair that will retain volume at the top. Children often do not have a lot of hair at the top. The fade will need to be maintained often, however, parents may end up making this trade-off as the mornings get even easier.
#19: Short Taper with a Natural Textured Top
It’s nice to see a haircut like this one that I think will suit a lot of kids, and I hope more parents request styles like this. The sides are tapered low and clean so that it’s not too harsh, and the top is long enough to showcase the hair’s natural texture so no product or morning routine is even needed, aside from a quick finger comb. On hair that is thicker, it provides a great shape, and the length keeps kids from overheating while they run around, which is a blessing when you’ve spent a hot afternoon with a child who is frustrated with their sweaty hair. If you want the top to be more structured, then a very small amount of light hold cream will do the trick, but that’s not really necessary.
#20 Wispy Brunette Bob for Little Ones
One of my favorite activities is cutting chin-length hair bobs on children with rounder faces because it just works. In the case of this child, the tips of the hair are soft and uneven, making it look blunter than it actually is. This is crucial for medium density hair, because you want movement and not a helmet. The child’s unmaintained natural brown hair is fine, but it looks healthy and beautiful. This length is perfect for more active kids because it is short enough to not get in the way, but long enough to be able to put it up in a quick ponytail or clips if needed. For the wispy, uneven hair tips to look intentional, some morning shaping will be required, but this will take seconds, not minutes.
#21: Chestnut Layers Warmed Up with Soft Red Highlights
The highlights are subtle yet warm up the cut for a more natural glow, and they add movement to the hair without getting too big. It keeps the thickness and volume under control while giving movement to the hair. It looks great air-dried, or style it quickly with a round brush. With upkeep, the warm-toned highlights will need maintenance. This will make the cut a good option for a kid who wants highlights without doing “crazy colors.”
#22: Long Chestnut Waves with Face-Framing Pieces
The kid’s hair is going to look awesome with long waves! The hair is a rich chestnut color with face framing layers that are softening to the eyes and cheeks. These are very flattering for oval and heart shaped faces. I also love the fact that this hairstyle is so low maintenance as it grows out. There is no need to stress about it looking shapeless and unstyled at week six. It will just be longer and more relaxed. It might take a while to be able to style it like the picture, but on a normal day you can just brush it and go and it will look great. But, be careful with the layers. If they are not done right, it can feel heavy and like a lot of hair. So, be sure to let the hair cutter know that the layers will make a huge difference!
#23: Spiked Top with a Smooth Fade
It’s amusing when we see a six-year-old choosing spikes (the spikes hair cut). I get that the haircut is done well, that is includes, an even graduated fade on the sides and back, the top is long enough to be spiked up with some (hair) gel, and is not likely to flop down by noon. It’s great because if the hair is nice and thick, which means it will hold the shape of the spikes nicely, and then the whole hair cut has a nice overall shape. This haircut is particularly nice on oval and square face shapes. The mother shouldn’t expect this to be a wash and go hairstyle. The hairstyle will take less than two minutes to do, and I understand that people may see that as a chore, but for a kid that is excited about their hair / a child who is enthusiastic about their hair, it is such an awesome addition to their morning routine.
#24: Glossy Chestnut Layers with Face-Framing Bangs
I appreciate how the bangs are complimenting the outfit. They really are soft and not too harsh looking because of how they are cut. On an oval face, they add a softness which the rest of the layered cut builds on beautifully. The shine on the shoulder length layers is healthy, conditioned hair. The volume is just right for the medium density hair. It looks full and lush but not too overwhelming. The bangs are what will draw the most visits to the salon. Once they are in your kid’s eyes, nobody is happy. The rest of the haircut is very forgiving. The low maintenance bangs make the trips well worth it.
#25: Precise Fade with a Sculpted Top
What a clean haircut! I can see a lot of thought went into the fade and the sculpted top. The hair has that sharp, clean look, and straight and thick, with the low effort maintenance cut being a cherry on top! For active kids, the haircut being designed to not need any work in the mornings is, for a lot of parents, the most important part of a cut. The haircut will get softer as time goes on, but with regular trips to the barber, he will continue to keep that polished look. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the cut, even between appointments, go into a styled look that still looks amazing. This is a haircut that will be perfect for a family wedding or even for soccer.
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